Stories of Struggle and Survival

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~Margaret Mead

 

 

On January 29, 2020, Storyburgh hosted a moth-style storytelling event at the East End Cooperative Ministry with the theme, "Stories of Struggle and Survival." As part of its community podcasting initiative, The Social Voice Project recorded the event and presents it here in its entirety.

"Stories of Struggle and Survival" featured local storytellers, compelling narratives, and showcased the power of human spirit.  Pamela Monk and Kelly Mariska will host and Matthew Petronko will be performing musician.  Most of the five storytellers have experienced and/or are working in low wage/poverty/homelessness space:

Rev. Kellie Wild

For more than 24 years, Rev. Kellie Wild has worked in senior management positions to serve people living in poverty, including people who are experiencing homelessness. Currently serving as director for the IMPACTS program at East End Cooperative Ministry, Rev. Kellie’s wide ranging career has included physical therapy and law. Her volunteer work has included service on the boards of Church Union, Foundation of HOPE, and Three Rivers Walk to Emmaus; the advisory board of the Seminary’s Metro-Urban Institute; and various committees of the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference of the UMC. Most recently, Rev. Kellie received the Fred McFeely Roger’s Award for Creative Ministry from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

Kess Ballentine

Kess Ballentine is a PhD candidate in the School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh. She has worked with children and families in a variety of capacities, including as an elementary school teacher, community program developer, and researcher. She currently works on the Pittsburgh Wage Study focusing on the interactions of work, poverty, and parenting. Her dissertation examines how parents navigate the complex terrain of home, work, school, and their personal parenting values when working jobs that have been documented to create barriers to parenting.

Sharlene Dominick

Her crossroads came at 21 when Sharlene Dominick met the Lord. The Lord met her in rehab. Walked with her in the streets during homelessness, equipped her in crack houses and ministered to her in jail! Clean since 2-2-1998, she is blessed with a wonderful marriage of almost 14 years and delightful children ages 12-27. She’s earned a BS in Human Services and MSOL (Master’s of Science in Organizational Leadership) from Geneva College. She is a published author of three devotionals (I Love Jesus, But I’m a Mess; My Pain Fuels My Purpose; and Faith & Recovery; It’s All Good). She has worked in Ministry/ Human Service field with many special populations (addicted women, adjudicated and addicted youth, homeless youth and young adults,